Higher education often costs more than most families can afford. Here are some cost-saving strategies that may help:

1. Apply for financial aid, then appeal for more

Every year, high school graduates miss out on billions of dollars in federal grants because they don’t fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Some schools may also require you to fill out the CSS Profile on the College Board website to get access to non-federal financial aid.

2. Seek out private scholarships

Consider sources of merit-based aid, as well, especially if the financial aid package you received does not meet your needs or your student does not qualify for need-based aid.

More than $6 billion in scholarships is awarded to college students each year.

3. Consider a community college

You can cut the overall tuition bill dramatically by taking classes at a community college or spending two years there to get an associate degree. More than half of states even have policies that guarantee that students with an associate degree can then transfer to a four-year state school as a junior.

4. Leverage dual enrollment and AP courses

Your children can be resourceful in helping to cut college costs, too. They can start helping in high school by taking Advanced Placement courses, which may transfer to college credits, depending on the student’s score and the school.

5. Use money from part-time jobs to defray costs

Your child may have already saved money from a part-time job in high school or plans to get a part-time job in college or take on a work-study position as part of their financial aid package.

Contributing some of the student’s income may help cut college costs.

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